Two days after saying all options were on the table for the usage of quarterback Drake Maye in what will be an odd season finale, New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo has changed his tune.
Mayo said Wednesday he expected the rookie to start Sunday at home against the Buffalo Bills.
“Drake is our starting quarterback,” Mayo said, per Pro Football Talk. “If he’s healthy and ready to go, as we go through this week of practice, he’ll play.”
Maye left last Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers after a hit to the head in the first quarter. After being deemed questionable to return, Maye did get back on the field later in the first half of a 40-7 loss.
A loss on Sunday would guarantee New England (3-13) the first-overall pick in next year's NFL Draft.
The Bills (13-3) are locked into the second seed of the AFC playoffs, so they likely will play mostly backups. Therefore, neither team has much incentive to actually win the game.
Mayo said his team's draft status won't affect the players.
“I’ve never been a part of a team — as a player or as a coach — going into the game not wanting to win, and it’s not going to change today,” Mayo said. “That’s our message to the team.”
Veteran Jacoby Brissett is Maye's backup.
“I’m preparing like I’m the starter. I think I’m going to be the starter, so I’m looking forward to being out there,” Maye said. “I think I’m ready to go out there and win, and compete, win a close game. I want to get out there and get experience in these close games that you can’t replicate in practice, you can’t get those reps anywhere else.”
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